Sibin OFOUNDER · EDITORLinkedIn ↗
Verified against official .gov.in portals · Last checked June 2026 · How we verify
Last Updated: June 2026

SSC Exams 2026: Complete Guide to CGL, CHSL, MTS & CPO

Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts some of India's largest government recruitment exams. This guide covers all major SSC exams — eligibility, pay scale, exam pattern, application process, and official resources.

Verified by NagrikIQ Research Team
Sources: Official .gov.in portals only · Updated June 2026
Staff Selection Commission — ssc.gov.in — Official Portal →

SSC exams are where lakhs of Indian families put their hopes — one notification, one shot, and sometimes years of preparation that hinge on whether you remembered the right formula during a 60-minute Tier 1 slot. What most aspirants don't realize is that the OTR (One Time Registration) system is permanent and shared across all SSC exams, which means a careless typo in your DOB during first-time registration can quietly haunt every single application you submit after. I dug through the actual notification PDFs so you don't have to — everything here is mapped to what SSC actually says, not what coaching centres claim.

— Sibin O, Founder, NagrikIQ · Last verified June 2026

Overview

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) is a central government body under the Ministry of Personnel that recruits candidates for Group B and Group C posts in various central government ministries, departments, and organisations. SSC conducts multiple exams annually — the most popular being SSC CGL (for graduates), SSC CHSL (for 12th pass), SSC MTS (for 10th pass), and SSC CPO (for Sub-Inspector posts in Central Armed Police Forces). SSC exams are among the most competitive in India with lakhs of applicants each year. The selection process is multi-stage, involving a Computer Based Test (CBT), followed by descriptive or skill tests depending on the exam. All SSC exams are conducted in online (CBT) mode. The SSC calendar is released at the beginning of each year at ssc.gov.in — candidates must check for current notification dates, vacancy counts, and exact exam schedules. Key SSC Exams: (1) SSC CGL — Combined Graduate Level, for Group B and C posts in central ministries (Income Tax Inspector, Auditor, Assistant, Sub-Inspector CBI, etc.). (2) SSC CHSL — Combined Higher Secondary Level, for postal assistant, lower division clerk (LDC), data entry operator. (3) SSC MTS — Multi-Tasking Staff, for non-technical Group C posts (peon, chowkidar, gardener etc.). (4) SSC CPO — Central Police Organisation, for Sub-Inspector in CAPF, ASI in CISF. (5) SSC JE — Junior Engineer. (6) SSC JHT — Junior Hindi Translator. (7) SSC Stenographer. Visit ssc.gov.in for the current notification, exact dates, and vacancy details. NagrikIQ is not affiliated with SSC or any government body — this guide is for informational purposes only.

Eligibility

  • Citizenship: Must be an Indian citizen (some posts open to Nepal/Bhutan nationals and OCI/PIO as per post requirements)
  • Age limits vary by exam: SSC CGL 18–32, CHSL 18–27, MTS 18–25, CPO 20–25 — with relaxation: SC/ST +5 years, OBC +3 years, PwD +10 years, Ex-Servicemen as per rules
  • Educational qualification varies: CGL requires graduation, CHSL requires 12th pass, MTS requires 10th pass, CPO requires graduation
  • Physical standards applicable for CPO (Sub-Inspector) posts: height, chest, vision, medical fitness
  • No criminal conviction under any law; no dismissal from previous government service
  • Some SSC posts have specific domicile or language requirements — check the official notification for each exam

Documents Required

Class 10 certificate/mark sheet (for DOB proof — no other DOB proof accepted by SSC)
Class 12/Graduation certificate and mark sheets as per the exam applied for
Aadhaar card (mandatory for CBT admission; linked to online registration)
Caste certificate from competent authority (for SC/ST/OBC candidates claiming reservation/age relaxation)
PwD certificate from competent medical authority (for Persons with Disability candidates)
Recent passport-size photograph (JPEG, white background, taken within 6 months)
Scanned signature in black ink on white background (for online application upload)
Ex-Serviceman discharge certificate (for candidates claiming ex-serviceman relaxation)
No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from current employer if employed in a government post

Fees & Processing Time

Fee
General/OBC/EWS: ₹100 per application. SC/ST/PwD/Ex-Servicemen: ZERO (fully exempt). Female candidates: ZERO (fully exempt). Payment via: SBI challan, debit/credit card, or net banking via the SSC portal.
Processing Time
SSC recruitment cycle typically spans 12–18 months from notification to final result. Tier 1 (CBT) result: 4–6 weeks after exam. Tier 2 result: 6–8 weeks. Document verification: 4–8 weeks. Final merit list and posting: 3–6 months after DV.

How to Apply Online

  1. 1Create a One Time Registration (OTR) account at ssc.gov.in — this is permanent and used for all future SSC exams
  2. 2Fill OTR profile: personal details, educational qualification, category, ID proof, upload photo and signature
  3. 3Check current notifications at ssc.gov.in → 'Latest Notifications' — note the exam, eligibility, and last date
  4. 4Apply for the specific exam from your OTR dashboard during the application window
  5. 5Fill exam-specific form: post preference, exam centre preference, exam medium (Hindi/English)
  6. 6Pay the application fee online (₹100 for General; exempt for SC/ST/PwD/Women)
  7. 7Download and save the application confirmation page with Registration ID for future reference
  8. 8Download Admit Card from ssc.gov.in 1–2 weeks before exam using Registration ID and password
  9. 9Appear for Tier 1 CBT at the assigned centre — carry Admit Card + original Aadhaar
  10. 10Check result and cutoff at ssc.gov.in — shortlisted candidates appear for Tier 2 and further stages

How to Apply Offline

  1. 1SSC applications are ONLY accepted online at ssc.gov.in. There is no offline application process. Candidates without internet can visit nearby CSC (Common Service Centre) or cyber cafes for assistance.

Common Problems & Solutions

OTR registration not completing / OTP not received
Use your registered mobile for OTP. If not registered, use the 'Forgot Password' link. Clear browser cache, use Chrome/Firefox in incognito mode. SSC portal is often slow during peak application periods — try early morning (6–9 AM) or late night.
Photo/signature upload error — size or format mismatch
SSC requires: Photo JPEG 20–50 KB (4.5cm × 3.5cm, white background), Signature JPEG 10–20 KB (3.5cm × 1.5cm, black ink on white paper). Use MS Paint or any image resizer to adjust exact size in KB.
Wrong details submitted — DOB, category, or name error
Minor corrections (spelling) may be allowed during an 'Edit Window' after form submission — check your SSC portal for edit option. Major errors (DOB, name) cannot be corrected after submission — contact SSC HQ immediately at 011-24360840.
Application fee payment failed but amount deducted
Wait 72 hours — most failed transactions auto-reverse. If not reversed, contact your bank with transaction ID. Do NOT pay again to avoid double deduction. Check SSC portal — payment may show as successful even if confirmation page didn't load.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many SSC exams can I apply for simultaneously?

You can apply for multiple SSC exams as long as you meet the eligibility criteria for each. Your One Time Registration (OTR) account is shared across all exams. However, if exam dates clash, you can only appear for one — SSC does not reschedule for individual candidates.

Is there negative marking in SSC exams?

Yes. SSC CGL, CHSL, and CPO Tier 1 have negative marking of 0.50 marks per wrong answer for 1-mark questions and 1.00 mark for 2-mark questions. SSC MTS Tier 1 has NO negative marking. Plan your attempt strategy accordingly.

What is the difference between SSC CGL and CHSL?

SSC CGL is for graduates and leads to Group B and C posts like Income Tax Inspector, Auditor, Assistant Section Officer — pay scale ₹25,500 to ₹1,51,100. SSC CHSL is for 12th pass candidates and leads to posts like Postal Assistant, Lower Division Clerk, Data Entry Operator — pay scale ₹19,900 to ₹92,300. CGL is more competitive and offers higher-grade posts.

How many attempts are allowed in SSC exams?

SSC does not impose an overall attempt limit — you can apply every year as long as you are within the age limit. Once you cross the upper age limit for a particular exam (e.g., 32 for CGL for General category), you can no longer apply for that exam. Age relaxation for SC/ST (5 years), OBC (3 years), PwD (10 years) effectively extends the attempt window.

Can I apply for SSC if I'm in the final year of graduation?

Yes, for most SSC exams you can apply if you are appearing in your final year examination, subject to the condition that your result will be declared before the document verification stage. You must possess the required qualification on the date of document verification, not on the date of application.

Helpline & Support

  • SSC HQ: 011-24360840 (Delhi)
  • Regional SSC offices have their own helplines — listed at ssc.gov.in → 'Contact Us'
  • Email grievances: sschqrc@gmail.com
  • Check admit card, result, cutoff: ssc.gov.in → respective exam link

Was this guide helpful?

Your feedback helps us improve guides for all Indians

Disclaimer: NagrikIQ is an informational platform and is not affiliated with any government department. Information provided is for guidance only. Always verify details on the official government portal before taking action.